Bedřich Smetana and the High E of Doom

This episode contains discussions of syphilis. If you are concerned you have syphilis or another sexually transmitted infection, you can find information about sexual health clinics in New York City here.

There's something strange in the last movement of Bedřich Smetana's String Quartet No. 1, "From My Own Life." In the middle of a lively finale, the quartet breaks off, followed by a mysterious high note. What does it all mean? How is it connected to his syphilis? All that and more on this episode of This Composer is Sick.

Our Favorite Smetana videos:

Featured recordings of Smetana's works:

“The Moldau" from Má vlast by Bedřich Smetana, performed by the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, cond. Antoni Wit, courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.

String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor, "From My Own Life," 4. Vivace - performed by the Travnicek Quartet, courtesy of EMG Classical